AHRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) / AHRC Focal Awards

What you get

You get a tax-free living stipend of about 24,900 EUR per year (a stipend is your basic living allowance: £20,780 in 2025/26, rising to £21,805 in 2026/27). This is for a full PhD in the arts and humanities. You also get your tuition fees paid at the UK Home rate and a budget for research costs. Funding runs for 3.5 years as standard and can be extended to up to 4 years. Part-time study is possible, with the amount adjusted to match. The money comes from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). You also join a regional training hub, where you take courses to develop your research skills and work in groups with other funded students. The first students start in October 2026.

Who can apply

• Starting a new PhD: You must be starting a PhD, not already partway through one.
• Field of study: Your research must be in the arts and humanities, such as history, philosophy, law, theology, archaeology, classics, languages and literature, linguistics, design, theatre, media, music or visual arts. Projects that mix subjects are welcome if at least half the work sits in an AHRC subject.
• University: You study at one of the 50 UK universities that hold a Doctoral Landscape Award.
• Nationality: UK and international students (EU and non-EU) can apply. Up to 30% of places go to international students. The award only covers the Home tuition rate, so international students must pay the fee difference themselves.
• Grades: Usually a First Class bachelor's degree and a Distinction at master's level in a relevant subject, or equivalent practical or professional experience.
• Residence: You must live in the UK during your studies. Distance learning is not funded.

How to apply

You apply in two steps at your chosen university: first for a PhD place, then separately for the AHRC DLA studentship (a funded PhD position). Each university sets its own deadlines and procedures, usually in the winter for an October start, so check the dates at the department you want. Departments rank their candidates internally before final decisions are made.

How realistic are your chances?

Each of the 50 universities funds only 15 studentships over five years (three per year), so places are limited and competition is real. This is especially true for international applicants, who compete for a capped share and must cover the fee gap themselves. Your prospects depend heavily on meeting the high academic bar (usually a First and a Distinction) and on a strong research proposal that clearly fits an AHRC subject. Apply early and pick a department where your project matches its strengths to improve your odds.